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MARION - For Shary Williamson, the world has always been a magical and diverse place, one she wants to share with her young readers in her latest book.

The retired teacher is currently working on "Buried Treasure," the third installment in her critically acclaimed "The Woodland Elves" series, slated for a February release.

Williamson takes the elves out of the "one and only" forest and into a tropical location, inspired by the beaches of southern Florida, exposing them to new cultures during their search for lost treasure.

"The book is about the joy of discovery as our young friends go into the world for the first time," she said. "Using the gift of trust they connect with those that may look or act different to them."

The longtime Marion resident said she wants to give her young readers a portal to life outside of their neighborhood, city, or country. It is an important task for the author who said that her books are being used as an educational tool in 47 countries.

"We constructed the book around a simple question; what is beyond the world that we know," she said. "Curiosity for the unknown has always been a central theme in the series."

Written by Williamson and illustrated by her long time friend Jay Johnston, the children's book and music series is an important tool to spread that message.

Since publishing her first book in 2014, originally a gift to her grandchildren, the series has quickly garnered an international following. Williamson often invites educators from around the world to visit her home on Uhler Road, where she has constructed a quarter-mile long trail inspired by the series.

"The books are being used in more and more classrooms, some students are using them to learn English, so the message of love is very important," she said. "It's not just the words being used but also the images on the pages, every aspect is crucial."

Local author Shary Williamson and illustrator Jay Johnston plan on releasing their latest book "The Woodland Elves: Buried Treasure" in February.(Photo: Submitted)

Every image in the series carries a message and features the tiny elves, the "Buried Treasure" is no different. The goal is to have each page of text accompanied by a full page illustration.

For Johnston, the tropical imagery in the book, was inspired not only from detailed notes by Williamson, but also from personal experiences.

"My wife is from the Philippines, and in that country they have leisure huts where people rest after climbing trees to get coconuts," he said. "Some of the imagery in the book is inspired by those huts."

"When I start these projects, I know that certain things are going to happen and I draw those parts first. Everything else comes later."

With "Buried Treasure" soon to hit bookstores, Williamson said she is already working on the fourth book of the series, hoping to complete it by the end of the year.

"It usually takes a year for each project, with the first book taking two years to complete," she said. " The editing process is grueling and what people don't understand is each book goes through seven states before we have a finished project."

Originally scheduled for a December release, "Buried Treasure" will be arriving on Williamson's doorstep on Feb. 13 and she has an appearance scheduled at the Marion Public Library after President's day.

Williamson said she hopes the book will inspire people to find magic in their own surroundings.

"I hope it inspires more elvish fun," she said "I want them to inspire creativity and understanding."